Why would a group of people that raise Fish want to hear about Fig Trees....Hello!

Frank, I know that you have been a big supporter of James since the start of this project, but now that day by day things looks more clear that this is a work by a con artist, are you still supporting and defending James?

I filed yesterday, the first official day of summer. I wanted to give James W Sperman the maximum time to prove he is not a thief, sadly no one got a single plant.

Sadly PayPal is continuing to collect monies for a proven theif and scam artist.__________________West Florida / Panhandle (Central time). Can get cold for figs...down to 12 F twice in last five years. Zone 8a, not counting the recent "upgrade"

I've also filed a dispute with PayPal and that was shot down. The only answer I got from them was that it's past the 180 days timeframe and there's nothing they can do for me, but they will continue to collect money from Jame's sales. It seems like James was well aware of this loophole.

I've also filed a dispute with my credit card. They are working to get this resolved. I encourage everyone to file a dispute with their credit card company before it's too late to do so. __________________Northeast Ohio - Zone 6B

Originally Posted by Rob_Steven Frank, I know that you have been a big supporter of James since the start of this project, but now that day by day things looks more clear that this is a work by a con artist, are you still supporting and defending James?

Ever since you have registered here as a Member, your ONLY post have been about this situation (James)? NOTone single post about figs! Furthermore, how I believe about James is none of your business!__________________Frank from Bama- Zone 7-b Alabama

....................................................

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever".

Originally Posted by bamafigWhy is it your business ,Grumpy Cat, how much if any money someone invested in this theft? Someone define "sucker" for this guy. Oh, almost forgot...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am getting tired of you putting your 2 cents in my business!! You are nothing but a Troll and a POS!You get on here and Troll for "free cuttings"...I am going to tell you one more time to stay out of my business! You are for sure one of those "Keyboard Warriors" talk a big game and hide behind your Computer! Scared to really use your name! You are nothing but a little girl! You need to spend more time to learn about Figs than getting into my business.__________________Frank from Bama- Zone 7-b Alabama

....................................................

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever".

Ever since you have registered here as a Member, your ONLY post have been about this situation (James)? NOTone single post about figs! Furthermore, how I believe about James is none of your business!

I'm free to post whatever I want.
But you Grumpy Cat, seems to be alone here defending this con artist, the theft that you worship so much, James Sperman.
If you wish to help James, you can put a $5,000 order right now in his website. Your money will be stolen and you will not see a single tree.__________________Wish List:
De La Reina, Marseilles Black VS, Figo Preto, Coll de Dama Roja

He didn't scam everyone. Some of us had no problem getting our money back. As I said before, his communication sucks but I do believe there is a better than 90% chance that people will get their stuff. It doesn't really make much sense for him to go through all this effort, set up all those tunnels and grow out all of those trees just to try and scam people out of 7 bucks a tree or whatever it is. Does it suck he isn't posting anymore updates, yup but why would he with all the haters here now?

All of you that are crying, why not go call James or email him. Your trying to take your frustration out on other members who have nothing to do with his business.__________________Jeff in zone 6aWish listBlack Mission, Angelos dark Yellow Neeches, sport, Kasariani, Planera, Emalyns purple, Galicia Negra, Italian 376, Olympian, Valle Negra

Originally Posted by figherderHe didn't scam everyone. Some of us had no problem getting our money back. As I said before, his communication sucks but I do believe there is a better than 90% chance that people will get their stuff. It doesn't really make much sense for him to go through all this effort, set up all those tunnels and grow out all of those trees just to try and scam people out of 7 bucks a tree or whatever it is. Does it suck he isn't posting anymore updates, yup but why would he with all the haters here now?

All of you that are crying, why not go call James or email him. Your trying to take your frustration out on other members who have nothing to do with his business.

He did send some refunds, that was part of the scam. People felt safe when they saw that they could ask for a refund any time. James stop the refunds when he "broke his pinky toe". He just close the pipe on refunds.

All the setup, tunels, all the figs, for sure James will not trow them out to the trash. He hasn't sent any single tree or cutting, the deadline was spring and right now is summer time. So I will asume that James has other plans with those fig trees. I'm sure he will be selling those trees, but not to the people who paid for them in advance.

I think that the chance for any of us to get our fig trees for the pre paid price that James put in his website is way far from 90%, I will say it's 0.01% and I'm been generous with that percent. Your chance of getting one of James fig trees will increase in the future buying the tree from another seller for a much higher price.

About the emails, I don't know if you have been reading this forum, but James hasn't answer a single email or phone call from his clients in months.

Now, please answer that. A seller sold you several trees for a good price with the condition that you need to wait 6 months. Instead of 6 months, you wait 1.5 years, the seller is not refunding anyone and he's not answering any emails or phone calls. Do you still think and thrust that seller with a 90% chance that he will send you the pre paid fig trees?

The average person doesn't know what a fig is other than a fig newton and certainly has no idea that there is more than 1 variety of figs, that being a fig newton. you also have 2 major forums for fig enthusiasts and the only outlet is ebay. There really is no place for him to sell a thousand or thousands of fig trees other than to people on these forums. No other market exists. Sure he could sell a few on craigslist or something but not thousands especially in his local community where many of those trees wouldn't last through the winter.

If any of you had taken 30 seconds out from your excitement at finding someone selling CHEAP fig cuttings and trees and done some research before you ordered you wouldn't be in this mess. All of those good saying - "Buyer Beware" and "A price too good to be true". We have people claiming they spent thousands of dollars on trees. Who spends thousands of dollars or even hundreds of dollars without doing research? If someone has never shipped a tree, I'd consider it a gamble making any purchase from them.__________________

The reason I did not get into this was the potential for non delivery and almost no recourse with the wait he demanded. I feel sorry for people that have lost lots of money but I too believe all the signs of a possible scam were there. I gamble of fig listings from unknowns with a little research. I do not believe I have been scammed by small individuals selling cuttings from their yard yet. I have received the incorrect fig types or poor cuttings from multiple sources including so called trusted sellers and national nursery companies and big box stores.

Mistakes are made, but deception is also out there. I have 3 VDB plants from 3 sources, one has never had a finger leaf and actually looks like a Brown Turkey after 3 years. Mistake or intentional? Who knows......

Anyone putting money up for a future crop should be very careful, too many things can go wrong as seen here.

I do know this, as long as people keep a thread alive using all of his business names the people that do look him up on the internet will find out he is a crook! I encourage all involved to continue to post on this subject.

As posted on the now closed thread, where I 1st became aware of Greenfin and the Thier. My Thai wife is a trusting sole, works pretty hard for "HER" money and asked if I would use my PP account to buy some figs?

I placed the following orders for her:

here are the orders that were placed:

5606-1072-4942-3039 Mar. 19, 2016 $143.00

0436-0341-6863-6631 Mar a9, 2016 $641.00

18883573X9817125Y Apr 3 2016 $758.00

#9FH22599L/M688*10*n Apr 12, 2016 $665.00

5D88493043252961U May 8th 2016 $693.00

27G70270NS858580S Jun. 26 2016 $275.00

0795-6490-3113-5968 Mar 24, 2016 $170.00

ONV29760XV978304R Apr 25. 2016 $826.00

Total........................................$4026.00

The limit is small claims court is $4000.00 plus cost.The county sheriffs office will serve the papers. ($26)You can file with a notarized statement and a filing fee.You still have to personally show up and present your claim. This "town that James the Thief lives in has about 125 people.The county seat is not much larger. These are the forms you will need to file:

It appears that PP as kicked James the Thief out, he now uses a PP service called "Web Aisles" I filed a fraud complaint today with PP about this listing.

I travel a lot internationally and trying to get a date where I can be there is my biggest problem along with going and getting hit with a continuance. It appears the farm belongs to the Thief's father or I would post a bond and lean it.

It amazes me that James the Thief still list a link on his web page to this forum???

For what it's worth, James has been using Webaisles since at least December 2015, when I first bought some fig cuttings from him.__________________Wish List: niagara black, bordisotte negra, brogiotto bianco, Noire de Caromb, sweetheart fig

My sympathy to you, Bob. While I do not think Greenfin's business practice is ethical, but exactly what are you ordering from James that would add up to that much money? No offense here, just curious because I can not imagine to handle that many fig cuttings/trees for the rest of my life if we are talking about $10/tree or cutting...__________________schang from Columbia, SC Zone 8

Originally Posted by smatthewIf any of you had taken 30 seconds out from your excitement at finding someone selling CHEAP fig cuttings and trees and done some research before you ordered you wouldn't be in this mess. All of those good saying - "Buyer Beware" and "A price too good to be true". We have people claiming they spent thousands of dollars on trees. Who spends thousands of dollars or even hundreds of dollars without doing research? If someone has never shipped a tree, I'd consider it a gamble making any purchase from them.

Some of us (like myself) had bought cuttings from him before he started his website. While I am out 50 odd bucks, I don't think it's right to criticize people who have been victemized.

Yes, I do agree, we should all be more careful in the fut

As for selling the plants, I'm sure the guy has a plan. A shiester who has one company for physical (greenfin) and one for web (webaisles), has a good plan to defraud us all.

---

Bob,

PayPal is lying to you...report them to consumerfinance.gov , as a payment service they are obligated to cut off fraud when detected, but did not!

__________________West Florida / Panhandle (Central time). Can get cold for figs...down to 12 F twice in last five years. Zone 8a, not counting the recent "upgrade"

I can't believe that there isn't someone on this forum close enough to actually visit his location and get a first hand account of what's going on there. I'm one of the lucky ones that smelled a scam the very first time he had "a setback" and got my refund immediately. Hopefully this all works out soon enough for those out money. I find it funny tho all those members that backed this guy like he was Jim Jones suddenly quieted. Lol, you attacked anyone that questioned Greenfin and now it appears they were all right....stay away from the kool aid folks!

It is difficult to accept one has been scamed, and embarrassing for some to admit in public. I am happy you were smart enough to get your refund, for people less "lucky" like myself, it seems like sticking together with one vice may be the only way ANY of us see compensation.__________________West Florida / Panhandle (Central time). Can get cold for figs...down to 12 F twice in last five years. Zone 8a, not counting the recent "upgrade"

Originally Posted by surfrat2I can't believe that there isn't someone on this forum close enough to actually visit his location and get a first hand account of what's going on there. I'm one of the lucky ones that smelled a scam the very first time he had "a setback" and got my refund immediately. Hopefully this all works out soon enough for those out money. I find it funny tho all those members that backed this guy like he was Jim Jones suddenly quieted. Lol, you attacked anyone that questioned Greenfin and now it appears they were all right....stay away from the kool aid folks!

Why don't you drive over there and tell us what's going on.
There's nothing funny about losing your money and timing is everything, but big boys don't cry like babies behind a keyboard. Since you've gotten your money back, I don't see what your problem is now trying to rub it in everyone's face.
Turning this forum into a pi..ing contest is not funny either.

Incredible! We had a poster awhile back try to take credit for the shipping video James made...that he did that due to the "pressure" of all the negative forum posts.

Now we have one who claims that those who "backed" James have gone quiet and they should not have attacked those who "questioned" Greenfin. Revisionist history that is rampant in our culture now. It is some of the negative nellies who launch personal attacks on those who say; wait a minute, something is wrong here and it may not be fraud. None, I repeat none of us here know what is wrong. But we all have opinions or suspicions. Some are more human and some are more like a pack of hyenas who can't wait to tear apart someone who is down.

Could it maybe be that it is pointless to argue or counter statements made out of frustration and anger from those who only want to hear from people who are in lock step with the way they think? Hummmmm, that would probably take stepping back and thinking about it. See previous little of that from a number of the posters.

Those who are pursuing legal or civil recourses to getting their money back are at least doing something constructive. They should get their money back if they so desire. Those who do nothing but piss and moan and badger are delusional if they think their posts are going to amount to any more than the ripple caused by a pebble thrown into the ocean affects the waves of the ocean.__________________Wendy - from Central Ky 6b

Why don't you drive over there and tell us what's going on.
There's nothing funny about losing your money and timing is everything, but big boys don't cry like babies behind a keyboard. Since you've gotten your money back, I don't see what your problem is now trying to rub it in everyone's face.
Turning this forum into a pi..ing contest is not funny either.

If i drove over to Grrenfins place I'd probably buy him a Damn beer and laugh my ass off with him....you imbecile.

And if you fickle potato chip types read my post I said I hope it works out for those out money. But your wound so Damn tight that you attack right away. Lol....and I am supposed to be the hyena? Maybe when I sit back and laugh at you select clowns that continue to support the fraud I MAY sound like one ...i guess. Ok back to reality guys. This is a fig forum take it light. Time to start my vacation.

Originally Posted by surfrat2And yet some still fill the kool aid cups. You guys are real sensitive. Lighten up....you got taken.

Quote:

Originally Posted by surfrat2

If i drove over to Grrenfins place I'd probably buy him a Damn beer and laugh my ass off with him....you imbecile.

In order to call someone an imbecile, You'd have to show that you possess a higher IQ . Your first statement proves to me that youre an idiot and your second statement tells the world that you're an idiot with a criminal mind.

I find it amazing people are still trying to defend this guy.....he takes money and refuses to communicate with those he has taken the money from. He will not even respond to authorities......but still being defended. Again......amazing! I have owned multiple businesses before retiring, never, repeat never have I seen a more criminally incompetent business owner.

I have seen people on this Forum wrongly come down on a seller trying to sell cuttings from their yard with a ton of crap, I have seen a good seller being accused TWICE of being a scammer. But the kicker to me on this Forum is the blind support for this criminal by members.

Perhaps my 10 years of dealing with incarcerated criminals has me take things like this more seriously than others. 86% of criminals become repeat offenders, I firmly believe there should be consequences for illegal actions. He needs to be brought before a Judge, not a "jury" of his on-line supporters. I also have little tolerance for those that defend criminals. The facts are simple, he took money and failed to deliver what he sold. I don't know the laws in his state for sure but in the nine I have lived in that is THEFT and I believe it would be there also. Furthermore if he accepted payments across state lines (as I understand he did) there are Federal charges also involved. How does anyone even attempt to defend that? I read claims that we don't "know what is wrong", really? I have heard lots of inmates that did not think theft was wrong either. Or rape, murder or anything else for that matter. Most non criminals I would think know theft is wrong. The law does not recognize "I needed the money" as a defense for theft that I know of.

This thread needs to be kept alive to insure his new victims at least have a chance of not becoming one if they search the net. His supporters that want it to go away will be disappointed I think. __________________Ooltewah, TN (SE TN) Zone 7a

No one is defending anyone, but this forum is not about James, it's about figs.
I read on another forum, in so many words that if you want to post some shit, you come over here. I find that to be very unprofessional to say the least and don't see it contributing to the positive experience of the community. No one is going to get his money back by posting crap and most of the same negative stuff is being posted and reposted by trolls.
On a positive note it looks like Bobkelley the traveler or whatever his name is is launching a lawsuit. I'm sure that he will keep everyone updated including his case number.
The other thread was locked by John for a reason and I doubt that there's a single person out there not aware of the situation at this point. Everyone is right until they're wrong and since no one knows what's going on, please give it a rest.

Yes this forum is about figs, but James links to this forum on his website??? Amazing

Sufrat2: You find humor in James the Thief. There is a special place for people like you and James.

My wife is Thai, speaks 4 languages, but English certainly is not her best. She bought trusting that most people are honest. She shared the info with friends in Thailand and Malaysia, who also ordered from James. I will be in Singapore in mid August and fly up to apologize for her. She has an 40 acre organic farm in the mountains outside of Bangkok, and about 20 acres of rice land over my Laos. She worked hard for the money to buy the fig cuttings to plant and see what would work in Thailand, and sell some cutting locally. While our life is not typical of most, just like the President and his family, both wife and children have their own companies, make their own money, and spend it as they wish. It keeps relationships simple and no drama.

I am sort of sorry I re-opened this thread, but will post my results for all to know. Bob K(aka The Old Wnnderer)

This situation is a time to thank our lucky stars that we have honest people with established, well thought out, and successful business models...like Jon, like Harvey, etc...That have made it their business to share knowledge and materials (be it cuttings or plants) that most of the rest of us are lacking or do not have immediate access to.

I hope everyone finds a solution to their problem (referring to the subject matter of this thread). Again, even more reason to keep up the trading and whatnot within the forums and to be decent to one another.

Originally Posted by ChapmanThis is the info I was given when I contacted the Consumer Protection Division for the state of Kansas. I did not order trees, but I requested information for the people who purchased from James.

If you would like the Consumer Protection Division to investigate the transaction you've had with this company, we ask that you complete the Investigative Request form so we can open a file for you. The Investigative Request form asks the specific questions required for our office to assist you efficiently. You can find this form on our website: http://www.InYourCornerKansas.org. You will see the link to “File a Complaint” mid-way down the page on the left side, right below the pencil. If you have any documents that are relevant in supporting your concerns, please be sure to include copies of these documents with your complaint.

While this office is prohibited from researching specific statutes and providing legal advice for private individuals, the Consumer Protection Division is tasked with enforcing the Kansas Consumer Protection Act and does investigate business practices to determine if there is evidence of a violation to this act.

We have concluded our investigation into your case and have decided in your favor.

We were able to recover $51.00 USD and this amount has been credited to you. Please allow five business days for this adjustment to be posted.

If you are due any additional funds, we will make our best effort to recover the balance from the seller.

If the seller's account has insufficient funds to complete the refund owed to you, please be assured that we will take appropriate action against the seller's account, which may include limitation of the seller's account privileges.

Trying to understand that If you received a refund, then how were you able to file a complaint?

You also wrote Folks,

This thread is so enjoyable to read. What will I do for entertainment once James officially shuts down, or actually delivers? We'll have to find something else to talk about!!

A few minutes ago you were attacking another eBay seller.

I want to add my 50 cents. There are many avenues to seek compensation for your loss, using the official channels. There's always risks involved when you order a product that is not available and many people including me already stated that this whole thing did not start as a scam.The fact that it has not worked out so far is unfortunate.

FYI, if this these posts get subpoenaed by a federal investigator, as part of a smear campaign or a collusion scheme etc.., you might go down with him or with whomever you're working with. At the very least you'll be spending $1000 per hour on a lawyer. Is it worth it? Grow up.Just trying to help.

What does complaining about one's business practice and receiving a refund on your money from a 3rd party have to do with each other? James didn't refund my money. In fact, he ignored my requests for a refund and acted like a jerk when I spoke with him on the phone. I was protected under PayPal's policy -- NOT James' business practice.__________________USDA Zone: 7Wish list: Col de Dama Roja | Col de Dame Gris | Galicia Negra | Kadota | Koura Black | Marseilles Black | Martinenca Rimada | Paratjal Rimada

Sas, I'm not defending or accounting for anyone here but myself, however, if a person is robbed of their car, but LoJack manages to recover it, does that nullify the crime and the robber is allowed to walk free? Heck no. This is how I see it even for those who managed to get their money back from Paypal or their credit card companies. This does not nullify James's fraudulent activity and even those who got their money back indirectly should file a complaint with the Attorney General and the FBI.

Originally Posted by blindesignSas, I'm not defending or accounting for anyone here but myself, however, if a person is robbed of their car, but LoJack manages to recover it, does that nullify the crime and the robber is allowed to walk free? Heck no. This is how I see it even for those who managed to get their money back from Paypal or their credit card companies. This does not nullify James's fraudulent activity and even those who got their money back indirectly should file a complaint with the Attorney General and the FBI.

Very good analogy. Just to note, not only is it the money he took or was pulled away from him. He also may have committed wire fraud due to money transactions via the Internet.__________________USDA Zone: 7Wish list: Col de Dama Roja | Col de Dame Gris | Galicia Negra | Kadota | Koura Black | Marseilles Black | Martinenca Rimada | Paratjal Rimada

Jennifer, I have a pending order too and how people go about recovering their money is their business, but causing someone's business to fail by launching a sustained negative advertising campaign from day one , is a different subject. The pros know better than to get involved with something like this.
There are many ways to file a complaint, through the official channels.__________________Sas from North Austin TX Zone 8B

Originally Posted by SasJennifer, I have a pending order too and how people go about recovering their money is their business, but causing someone's business to fail by launching a sustained negative advertising campaign from day one , is a different subject. The pros know better than to get involved with something like this. There are many ways to file a complaint, through the official channels.

Wow! I took a chance and I utilized the protection from reputable merchants. That makes me NOT "a Pro"? And you find it negative because I'm going after people that are taking advantage of others??? Dude, what world do you live in? Damn man, sorry I'm taking some action to clean up our community. Perhaps if you did the same, and others stepped up a bit more instead of flaming, the community would have less "Unknown's" and thefts.

Update from my CC company. They never heard back from James, so my dispute was resolved in my favor for the order I placed last Oct.

If Pay Pal can't help you with a refund due to timing, your credit card company can, because James promised to ship trees/cuttings in the spring, which never happened.

Its ironic to me that people still defend and even feel sorry for James when he hasn't shipped anything for what, 2 years? I hope everyone who was cheated complains to the appropriate authorities. This guy will not stop until enough people have complained.

My heart goes out to those who spent a lot of money. I hope you get some back. Best of luck to everyone.

Originally Posted by SasJennifer, I have a pending order too and how people go about recovering their money is their business, but causing someone's business to fail by launching a sustained negative advertising campaign from day one , is a different subject. The pros know better than to get involved with something like this. There are many ways to file a complaint, through the official channels.

Sas, a failed business does not excuse subsequent fraud. But failed business? What failed business? He was flooded with orders. What he decided to do at the point he realized he was overwhelmed with orders he couldn't possibly fulfill is where the fraud began. That said, I have absolutely zero interest in a back and fourth here if that's what you're looking for. See you on other, less mucky, threads not the subject of Kansas AG and FBI investigations. lol

Anyone who has lost money needs to file a complaint with their local law enforcement agency. This will be an informational report to establish your identity and complaint legally. Ask your local agency to forward your report to the agency where Greenfin's business is. I guessing there are hundreds of complaints and after they receive your report you should follow up with a phone call to the investigating agency. Try to personally speak with either the supervisor or the officer who will be conducting the investigation. If they get enough reports they will do something. Filling with the other agencies mentioned in this thread is reccomended however most federal agencies will not investigate without a $100,000.00 loss which can be singular or cumulative or multiple interstate victims. All agencies have to prioritize as available resources are limited. That is also why if every victim files with Greenfins local agency the sheer volume of the complaints against a single suspect should guarantee an investigation.

Remember filing with your local agency first establishes your identity for Greenfins jurisdiction. Most agencies will not take a complaint by phone as they have no way of positively identifying the complainant.

Also they have to prove criminal intent which could be from the beginning or something that occurred after he became overwhelmed. Although in this case it seems inconceivable, bad business decisions or management and not answering e-mails is not criminal. Keep in contact with the agency. If you don't they will assume you not that interested in justice. Dont be impatient! Just compiling all of the complaints is a big task and takes time. A small agency will be overwhelmed with a case like this but hopefully they can get assistance from the county or state agencies.__________________Charles in Pensacola AKA Darkman
Zone 8b/9a
Winter of 09/10 low 19
Winter of 10/11 low 19
Winter of 11/12 low 29
Winter of 12/13 low 31
Winter of 13/14 low 19

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